Lea-Francis?

Author
Discussion

rick.e

Original Poster:

768 posts

278 months

Sunday 27th January 2002
quotequote all
A couple of years ago the mags were full of articles about a Lea-Francis revival and they had running prototypes of a £30k+, V6 powered roadster. Styling was retro - a sort of cross between a sixties Jag and a Z3. Anybody know what happened next?

reardrive

2,135 posts

275 months

Monday 28th January 2002
quotequote all
I remember that. Don't know what happened but the styling was weird. Looked like a cross between a naff kit-car (e.g. Beauford) and an Aero 8. As I recall the prototype was white - which didn't help. If Liberace was still with us he'd probably have bought one.

JSG

2,238 posts

290 months

Monday 28th January 2002
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This is what I think you're refering to, not sure what the latest is though.



McNab

1,627 posts

281 months

Monday 28th January 2002
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I think this is the story, but it doesn't seem to have progressed. Anyone know?

www.tfsuk.textron.com/lea-francis.htm

JSG

2,238 posts

290 months

Saturday 9th February 2002
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There's a short piece in this weeks Autocar on Lea Francis stating that Jim Randle (ex Jaguar) says its the cleverest and best car he's ever done. It goes on to say that the project will cost 5.5 MUKL and that Lea Francis needs a major car manufacturer as a partner.

Cheers,
JSG

JSG

2,238 posts

290 months

Saturday 9th February 2002
quotequote all
Following on from the previous post it had been rumoured that Borham Developments, an Oxfordshire based concern with expertise in old British sportscars and clingfilm storage technology were going to provide the investment needed.

A spokesman said that the new car would be aimed at the 'retro market', in particular the middle aged, cloth cap MG roadster market and would therefore be launched as the 'LEA B'.


This story is unconfirmed and may due to eating cheese too late at night.

McNab

1,627 posts

281 months

Saturday 9th February 2002
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Best thing is to drink ultra fizzy/explosive beer with it. Half hour later gently lower head onto downy pillow, count up to ten (patiently), sit up, arch back, swivel torso hard right at least three times.

Should bring it up - wind I mean - not cheese. If cheese please contact my lawyers direct...

What the hell am I on about? Chassis has had same affect as midnight cheesefest, sod him !

campbell

2,500 posts

290 months

Saturday 9th February 2002
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Love the dig McNab, but you are rtight about Chassis.



The don't look to bad though

CarZee

13,382 posts

274 months

Saturday 9th February 2002
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quote:
an Oxfordshire based concern with expertise in .... clingfilm storage technology
I've always kept my cling film in a cardboard box, as that's what it comes in from the supermarket... or have I missed something??

campbell

2,500 posts

290 months

Saturday 9th February 2002
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Didn't you know there is different was to store clingfilm and the technology involved is realy suprising.

McNab

1,627 posts

281 months

Saturday 9th February 2002
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Think he's gone, Campbell, but you never know...maybe he was using the school computer most of the time. It's all so weird that I don't think I'll ever figure it out!!

campbell

2,500 posts

290 months

Saturday 9th February 2002
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I think your right McNab

JSG

2,238 posts

290 months

Sunday 10th February 2002
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quote:

quote:
an Oxfordshire based concern with expertise in .... clingfilm storage technology
I've always kept my cling film in a cardboard box, as that's what it comes in from the supermarket... or have I missed something??



Prob a bit obscure unless you're a regular to the S forum. Sorry.....

andy brown

3,707 posts

291 months

Sunday 10th February 2002
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I sold my 1952 lea francis special about 18 months ago, and bought a new chimp 450 instead. The LeaF was in my care for 20 years and I loved it. 14 HP, 1767 cc, racing green with black hood and screens. Not too fast but very low and torquey. Great fun....was sad to sell it bu am enjoying the new Chimp so much now. Leaf's were very well built and well ahead of their time. Good performances at brooklands too so a healthy racing history. A 'gentlemans' car!! does anyone know where it is now???? (Reg OTE 893)